California State University Long Beach (CSULB) was the scene of a tense evacuation on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, following a bomb threat that disrupted the typically tranquil campus. The incident began in the late morning hours and unfolded over several tense hours as law enforcement and university officials worked to ensure the safety of students, faculty, and staff. The university received a call around 10:15 a.m., with an anonymous individual claiming that explosives had been planted in multiple campus buildings.
University officials promptly informed the Long Beach Police Department (LBPD), which immediately dispatched bomb squads and other emergency responders to the scene. The university’s emergency notification system was activated, sending out text alerts, emails, and app notifications to all campus affiliates. The message instructed everyone on campus to evacuate immediately and avoid the affected areas. “We are taking all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of our community,” read an official statement from CSULB President Jane Connelly.
Evacuations and Safety Measures
Hundreds of students, faculty members, and visitors were seen leaving campus buildings in an orderly but visibly concerned manner. Authorities established a perimeter around the affected areas, including the University Student Union, the library, and several academic halls. These areas were searched meticulously by bomb squad teams with the assistance of specially trained K-9 units. To minimize panic, the university set up evacuation points and provided updates through its website and social media channels. “The safety of our community is our top priority,” said CSULB Chief of Police Gregory Valdez. “We’re working in close coordination with local law enforcement to address the situation as swiftly as possible.”
The evacuation caused significant disruption to campus activities. Classes were canceled for the remainder of the day, and scheduled events, including a career fair and an athletic competition, were postponed. Students who lived on campus were temporarily relocated to off-campus shelters set up by the university. “It was terrifying at first,” said Emily Rodriguez, a sophomore who was in the library when the evacuation notice was issued. “But the staff and police were calm and organized, which helped us feel a little safer.” Parents and families of students expressed concern but were reassured by the university’s consistent updates. “It’s a parent’s worst nightmare to hear about something like this happening at their child’s school,” said Michelle Harris, whose son is a junior at CSULB. “We’re relieved that no one has been hurt.”
Law Enforcement Investigation
By early afternoon, bomb squad teams had thoroughly searched the identified buildings and surrounding areas. No explosives were found, and the threat was declared a hoax by 3:30 p.m. The LBPD announced that they were treating the incident as a serious criminal matter and had launched an investigation to trace the origin of the threat. “False threats like these not only cause panic but also divert valuable resources and disrupt lives,” said LBPD spokesperson Officer Maria Gonzalez. “We will pursue all leads to hold the perpetrator accountable.” Law enforcement officials are urging anyone with information about the threat to come forward. Tips can be submitted anonymously through the LBPD’s hotline or online portal. The incident has sparked a range of reactions from the CSULB community. Many students praised the university’s quick and efficient response. “They kept us informed every step of the way,” said senior Kevin Tran. “It’s reassuring to know they take our safety seriously.”
However, others voiced concerns about campus security and the psychological impact of such threats. “Even though it was a false alarm, it’s hard to shake off the fear,” said graduate student Amanda Lee. “I hope the university takes steps to prevent something like this from happening again.”
In the aftermath of the threat, CSULB officials announced plans to conduct a thorough review of their emergency protocols. Counseling services have been made available to students and staff to help them cope with the stress and anxiety caused by the incident. “This was a challenging day for our community, but it’s also a reminder of our resilience,” President Connelly said in a closing statement. “We will learn from this experience and continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of everyone on our campus.”
The university plans to hold a town hall meeting later this week to address questions and concerns from the community. In the meantime, campus life is expected to resume as normal on Thursday, January 9, with additional security measures in place. The incident has also reignited discussions about the consequences of false threats and the strain they place on emergency services. Local authorities are working to raise awareness about the legal and social implications of such acts. As the investigation continues, the CSULB community remains united in its determination to move forward with caution but without fear. The bomb threat may have temporarily disrupted campus life, but it also demonstrated the strength and solidarity of a community committed to overcoming challenges together.
